Ketones in Urine and weight gain

[amanbilcor]

Hello,

My 17 year old daughter has had repeated kidney infections.  I took her to the ped the other day for another one. She said she had blood in her urine which we expected, but she also noted that she found ketones in her urine.  This is strange because she had pasta for lunch, and mashed potatoes with dinner.  She has gained 20 pounds in the last 3 months, but is extremely active being a competitive soccer player for many years.  We have no insurance for the next month, so we are concerned about what to do in the mean time.

[Renee Radenberg]

Has she been trying to lose the 20lbs she put on? Weight loss will break down fat, which will increase ketones, if carbohydrates are not being eaten that much. I would suggest following the diabetic diet which you are already doing and go for additional tests when the insurance starts.

[amanbilcor]

we are in the midst of waiting for our nj kid care to kick in. After 12 years with insurance we find ourselves suddenly without it.  
My husband, my sister and both of my husbands parents are diabetic so we are worried about that as well.  We have tested her sugar a few times with his meter and haven't found anything alarming.  She was born a premie (8 weeks early) and has always had respitory trouble and asthma. We have put her on the same careful eating that my husband follows with his diabetes because it's just a very healthy way of eating and we figure it can only help.  I just don't know what to do in the mean time while we wait for the insurance....

Any ideas?

[Renee Radenberg]

Has your daughter been extra thirsty and urinating more than usual? Suggest she has additional testing. If you live in the US there are some states that cover children with health insurance.